Freelance Videographer / Editor

We started Picture This Productions back in 2018 just two lifelong friends, Elliot & Chas, who\'d been hanging out since elementary school and figured we might as well start making wedding films together. That slowly turned into commercial gigs, not because we planned it, but because people saw the stories we were telling and wanted the same thing. From day one, our vision was clear: give small brands the kind of high-quality films usually reserved for the big guys. Fast forward to now, we\'re still a small team, but we\'ve worked with names like Yahoo, Deloitte, and RealScout and we\'re proud to say we\'re still telling stories that actually mean something.
At our core, we believe in doing things differently. We don\'t follow trends, we set them. Whether it\'s a high-impact commercial, a scroll-stopping social media spot, or long-form content that builds brand loyalty, we approach every project with a fresh perspective and a relentless drive to innovate. Our nimble, independent team thrives on pushing boundaries, finding unexpected angles, and crafting stories that don\'t just reach an audience, they resonate. We treat our freelancers like partners, not vendors. That means clear briefs, prompt payment, creative trust, and credit where it\'s due. If that sounds like the kind of environment you want to work in, keep reading.
About the Role

We\'re building out our roster of freelance shooters and editors, and we\'re looking for a few more people to call on regularly. This isn\'t a one-and-done thing we want folks we can keep coming back to, month after month. The work ranges pretty widely: commercial campaigns for brands you\'d recognize, weddings and events, branded social stuff, real estate tours, podcast shoots, and every so often a passion project we couldn\'t say no to.
You\'ll be working with us directly, Elliot and Chas. No producer in the middle, no "let me check with the team and circle back." Decisions happen fast, feedback is direct, and your work goes out the door with fewer hands on it than you\'re probably used to. Do good work, answer your texts, and we\'ll keep calling. Simple as that.
What You'll Do

Shoot video content as a primary or secondary operator on commercial sets, weddings, events, real estate properties, podcasts, and branded content shoots
Edit short-form social content (Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts), long-form commercial work, wedding highlight films and feature edits, event recaps, real estate walkthroughs, and podcast episodes
Deliver polished final cuts including color correction and grading, audio mixing and sweetening, motion graphics, titles, and lower thirds, and platform-specific exports
Work from creative briefs, shot lists, and founder direction while bringing your own eye and instincts to every project
Handle revision rounds professionally, incorporating feedback from both our team and end clients
Manage your own media workflow ingest, backup, organization, and delivery of clean project files
Collaborate on pre-production when scoped in, including location scouts, shot planning, and gear prep
Travel to shoot locations within the Bay Area and occasionally beyond (destination weddings, out-of-market commercial shoots)
Communicate proactively on timelines, availability, and deliverables we\'d rather hear about a delay early than a missed deadline late
What We\'re Looking For

Experience & Craft
2+ years of professional videography and/or editing experience (commercial, wedding, or branded content backgrounds all welcome)
A strong reel demonstrating range across multiple genres we want to see storytelling, not just technical execution
Demonstrated ability to shoot and/or edit at a level that can go head-to-head with bigger production houses
Bonus points for experience with any of: gimbal operation, drone work (Part 107 certified is a plus), multi-cam event coverage, or podcast/interview setups
Technical
Proficiency in DaVinci Resolve strongly preferred, but not required (Final Cut Pro / Adobe)
Comfortable working with RAW and log footage, LUTs, powergrades, and color-managed workflows
Solid audio instincts knowing when to fix it in post vs. flag for re-record
Motion graphics capability in Resolve Fusion or similar is a significant plus
Your own editing setup capable of handling 4K (and occasional 6K/8K) workflows without choking
Gear (for shooter roles)
Professional camera body or bodies (mirrorless or cinema we\'re camera-brand agnostic if the footage is clean)
A working lens kit appropriate for the project types you\'re bidding on
Basic lighting kit for interview and event work
Support gear: tripod, gimbal, monopod as relevant
We can discuss specific gear requirements on a per-project basis and occasionally provide or rent additional equipment
Professional
Reliable, responsive, punctual and easy to work with, clear communication is non-negotiable for us
Ability to take creative direction while contributing your own perspective we don\'t want yes-people, we want collaborators
Strong time management and ability to hit deadlines without drama
Available for weekend shoots (weddings and events often fall on Saturdays)
Able to travel within California and occasionally beyond (travel costs covered separately)
Valid business license or ability to invoice as a 1099 contractor with proper W-9 documentation
General liability insurance preferred for on-site work, required for certain commercial clients
Details

Location: San Jose, CA and surrounding Bay Area for shooting; editing work is fully remote
Rates: Competitive day rates and half-day rates, negotiated per project based on role (shooter, editor, or both), scope, and your experience level.
Availability: We\'re building an ongoing roster, not hiring for a single project. Ideal candidates have regular weekly capacity and can take on 1–4 projects per month.
Travel: Bay Area local work is standard. Out-of-market and destination projects are quoted separately with travel, lodging, and per-diem covered.
We review applications on a rolling basis and respond to every qualified applicant, even if it\'s not an immediate fit we may circle back when the right project comes up.

#J-18808-Ljbffr